Raleigh City Council approves issuing bonds

Officials want to use up to $12.6 million on the new park design downtown and up to $2.7 million to replace Fire Station No. 6 on Fairview Road.

In other business, the council approved a revised master plan for John Chavis Memorial Park, at 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Plans for the 29-acre park call for replacing the pool and community center, putting in multi-use courts, tennis courts and an enhanced track and field area, replacing the playground, increasing connectivity to and through the park and creek access, visibility and environmental education opportunities.

The council also directed city staff to help promote “Shop Local Raleigh,” an initiative of the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association to encourage patronage of locally owned businesses. Council members also directed the city's Purchasing and Economic Development divisions to educate local businesses on how to do business with the city.

Plans to appoint a task force to review window signage regulations were postponed until the council's June 3 meeting.

Finally, the council declared Raleigh a "welcoming city" for immigrants, recognizing the culture and economic boost from new businesses and workers and committing to creating a supportive environment.